Major Surrender of Naxalites in Chhattisgarh: What It Means for the Region
Significant Surrender of Naxalites in Bijapur
Bijapur: In a notable development, a group of Naxalites with a combined bounty of Rs 46 lakh surrendered to law enforcement in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, on Thursday, according to a senior police official.
The group, which included eight women, was part of the 'south sub zonal bureau' of the Maoists and voluntarily presented themselves to senior police officials as part of the Bastar police's 'Poona Margem' initiative aimed at rehabilitation and social reintegration, stated Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Yadav.
The individuals expressed their approval of the state government's policies regarding surrender and rehabilitation, the official noted.
Among those who surrendered were Somadu Madkam (42), a divisional committee member overseeing the Katekalyan area, along with Hungi Kunjam (19) and Payaki Kunjam (22), both affiliated with different units of the party, each carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh.
Additionally, three other members had bounties of Rs 5 lakh each, one had a bounty of Rs 2 lakh, and five others had rewards of Rs 1 lakh each, as reported.
The surrendered group also handed over an AK-47 rifle, two Self Loading Rifles (SLRs), 250 gelatin sticks, 400 detonators, a plastic drum filled with gunpowder, and a bundle of cordex wire, according to the official.
Each of the surrendered Naxalites will receive immediate assistance of Rs 50,000 and will be rehabilitated in accordance with government policies, he added.
Since January 1, 2024, a total of 888 Naxalites have renounced violence and reintegrated into society, while 1,163 have been arrested and 231 have died in various encounters, the official reported.
Inspector General of Police for the Bastar Range, Sundarraj Pattilingam, remarked that the Maoist organization is rapidly nearing its end.
He attributed this decline to the establishment of security camps in remote areas, enhanced road connectivity, ongoing successful anti-Naxal operations, and the effective implementation of government development schemes, which have consistently reduced the organization's territorial influence.
The IG urged remaining Maoist members to surrender, emphasizing that the path of violence leads only to destruction and suffering, while the 'Poona Margem' initiative offers a route to peace, dignity, and a hopeful future.
"Lay down your arms and reintegrate into society. The responsibility for your secure future and the opportunity to build a new life lies with both the government and the community," he stated.
With this recent surrender, over 220 Naxalites have disarmed in the state this year alone.
Earlier, on January 15, 52 Naxalites surrendered in Bijapur district, and last year saw more than 1,500 Naxalites give up their arms in the state.
The central government has committed to eradicating Naxalism from the country by March 31 of this year.